| Most people who’ve had COVID-19 have fully recovered within a few weeks. However, there are some people who experience lasting effects of the virus long after their recovery. If this has happened to you or someone you know, then you may be familiar with the term “long-haulers,” which is used when side effects of COVID-19 persist for more than four weeks after the initial diagnosis. |
The elder population and those with serious medical conditions are at a heightened risk of experiencing lingering symptoms. Young and otherwise healthy individuals can also experience persistent symptoms – even those who did not experience any symptoms during their immediate recovery. In fact, research estimates around 10% of COVID-19 patients become long-haulers.
Here are some common symptoms associated with post-COVID-19 syndrome:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- Joint pain
- Chest pain
- Poor endurance
- Muscle pain and headaches
- Dizziness upon standing
- Memory, concentration, or sleep problems
- Fast heartbeat
- Depression or anxiety
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Weakness and general deconditioning are among the most common issues following COVID-19 and can contribute to a heightened fall risk. Physical therapy helps to improve your balance in a controlled and safe environment, subsequently reducing risk of falls and injury. A physical therapist can help with this and prescribe exercises that are appropriate for you, wherever you’re at in your recovery.
If you’ve been immobile for a period of time during your recovery, this can lead to stiff joints and pain. A physical therapist can use various hands-on manual therapy techniques to improve your mobility and reduce pain to get you back to doing what you love with greater ease.
Other areas of treatment include:
- Cardiovascular training on land or in our aquatic unit
- Full body strengthening
- Strengthening for respiratory muscles
- Energy conservation techniques
- Breathing control/retraining
Reach out to Bodyworks Physical Therapy to see how we can get you back on your feet as quickly and as safely as possible!